Japan has witnessed a remarkable surge in their women’s doubles badminton performance in recent years, challenging China’s long-standing dominance in the sport. As we look forward to the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2018, let’s delve into the story behind Japan’s emergence as a formidable force in women’s doubles.
Japan: A Force to be Reckoned With
In the history of the World Championships since 1983, China has clinched an impressive 20 out of 21 women’s doubles titles. However, Japan’s women’s doubles pairs have been making their mark in recent times. In fact, they have won two-thirds of the HSBC BWF World Tour tournaments they participated in this season, showcasing their excellence and potential.
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Unprecedented Success
The Japanese women’s doubles pairs have played in 12 out of 14 events this season, securing victories in eight of them. Their only defeats came in the YONEX All England and the TOYOTA Thailand Open finals. Additionally, they triumphed in the Asian Championships and the TOTAL BWF Uber Cup, cementing their position as one of the most dominant forces in the sport.
Chasing Milestones
As the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2018 kicks off, four Japanese women’s doubles pairs will aim to etch their names in history. The only Japanese pair to have won the World Championships did so in the inaugural year, way back in 1977. A victory this year would not only break China’s stranglehold on the title since 1995 but also mark a significant milestone for Japanese badminton.
Japanese Contenders to Watch
Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota, the second seeds, have enjoyed a rapid rise in their careers since early 2017. They have secured three titles this year, including the YONEX German Open and the Badminton Asia Championships. They are expected to face tough competition from Bulgaria’s Stefani and Gabriela Stoeva in the third round and Korea’s Lee So Hee/Shin Seung Chan in the quarter-finals.
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Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi, the Olympic champions, have displayed remarkable consistency, clinching the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters and the CELCOM AXIATA Malaysia Open titles. They are likely to face their compatriots Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara in the third round, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, the rising stars of Japanese women’s doubles, have already made their presence felt. They were runners-up in Indonesia and have the potential to create waves in this tournament.
Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto, winners of the Dubai World Superseries Finals in 2017, have had a slightly subdued season. Nevertheless, these quarter-finalists from the previous edition possess the skills and experience to make an impact in Nanjing.
Challenges and Contenders
While Japan’s dominance cannot be ignored, there are other pairs who could spoil their party. Defending champions Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan from China are eager to make amends after a disappointing year. The top seeds might face stiff competition from compatriots Du Yue/Li Yinhui and Indonesia’s Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu.
Indonesia’s strong contenders, Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu, showcased their prowess by winning the TOYOTA Thailand Open. They will enter the World Championships with a renewed sense of confidence, aiming to achieve what no Indonesian pair has before.
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The Koreans, Lee So Hee and Shin Seung Chan, are the lone representatives from their country in the draw. Despite a few early setbacks this season, their attacking style of play makes them formidable opponents for any top pair.
Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai from Thailand have had a commendable season. They claimed the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters title and are expected to face a tough challenge from Denmark’s Maiken Fruergaard/Sara Thygesen in the third round.
Europe’s hope lies in the Stoeva sisters, Stefani and Gabriela, and Denmark’s Maiken Fruergaard/Sara Thygesen, especially after the absence of YONEX All England champions Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl.
With such a diverse and talented pool of players, the BWF World Championships 2018 promises to be an exhilarating event highlighting the evolving dynamics of women’s doubles badminton.
FAQs
Q: How dominant has China been in women’s doubles at the World Championships?
A: China has won 20 out of 21 women’s doubles titles since 1983, showcasing their remarkable dominance in the sport.
Q: Which Japanese pair won the World Championships in 1977?
A: In the inaugural year of the World Championships, a Japanese pair emerged victorious, making them the only non-Chinese pair to win the title since 1995.
Q: Who are the top contenders to challenge Japan’s dominance?
A: Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan, the defending champions from China, and Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu from Indonesia are among the top contenders aiming to disrupt Japan’s reign in women’s doubles.
Q: What challenges do Japan’s women’s doubles pairs face in the tournament?
A: Japan’s women’s doubles pairs will need to overcome tough competition from formidable opponents such as China, Korea, and Indonesia to secure victory in the BWF World Championships.
Summary
Japan’s women’s doubles have emerged as a dominant force, challenging China’s long-standing supremacy in the sport. With an exceptional track record this season and an opportunity to make history at the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2018, Japanese pairs are poised to create waves on the badminton court. Brace yourself for an intense showdown as players from different nations vie for the prestigious women’s doubles title. For the latest updates and highlights, visit Carnegiecentre.com.
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